Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 11
Michigan, Oklahoma Restaurants Cut Produce as Cyclospora Cases Top 840 Nationwide
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 11

Michigan, Oklahoma Restaurants Cut Produce as Cyclospora Cases Top 840 Nationwide

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 11

Summary

  • Dipisa’s Pizza in Michigan pulled lettuce, tomatoes and onions from its menu, while Red B Restaurant in Oklahoma rewashed produce and dropped kale and parsley as cyclospora cases climbed.
  • CDC counted more than 840 cases by July 9, but states report far more—Michigan alone has identified over 1,500 cases and 44 hospitalizations—while investigators still have not found a source.
  • Fresh produce and water can carry the parasite, and experts say rinsing may not remove it fully because cyclospora can resist chlorine-based cleaning and lodge in leafy greens or berries.
  • Chipotle said it is monitoring the investigation and does not believe its ingredients are implicated, while several major fast-food chains did not immediately comment on any response plans.
  • Experts say the unusually high case count and lack of a traced supplier suggest either one broad multistate outbreak or several simultaneous clusters, making dining out risk harder to judge.

Insights

A chlorine-resistant parasite is spreading through fresh produce. Are our food cleaning methods now obsolete?
As thousands fall ill from a mystery parasite, could a common item in your refrigerator be the source?
With federal oversight weakened and reporting now optional, is our food safety net fundamentally broken?